The much-anticipated Culture Week at the University kicked off with a powerful blend of prayer, entertainment, and a celebration of diverse cultural heritage. The event was graced by the CEO of NRG Radio, Mr. Kevin Mulei, and his spouse Mrs. Janet Mulei, who joined students, staff, and guests in honoring the theme: “Promoting Culture for Sustainability and Responsible Citizenship in the Digital Age.”
The opening ceremony set the tone for a vibrant celebration of both national and international cultures. From the lively entertainment showcasing a variety of global traditions, including Chinese cultural performances, to a display of Kenyan heritage, attendees were treated to a rich tapestry of performances that underscored the importance of cultural diversity in a globalised world.
The first session of entertainment was followed by the presentation of the University’s cultural ambassadors. With song and dance filling the venue, the ambassadors escorted Prof. Caroline Thoruwa, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research, Innovation, and Outreach) to the stage in a celebratory fashion. This symbolic moment highlighted the unity and importance of culture within the University community. She then proudly handed the ambassadors their licenses, formally appointing them as this year’s custodians of culture for the campus.
While delivering the Vice-Chancellor’s speech, Prof. Thoruwa indicated that KU is committed to nurturing and shaping young talent. The KU Choir has won the national championship 15 years in a row, the Culture Week turns 31 years old, still enriching our story and Mr. Sam Ojuka, a KU Law student won the silver medal at the Olympics. This goes to show the commitment towards our core values, inter alia; excellence, creativity, institutional culture of hard work, competitiveness and equal opportunity.
In his keynote address, Mr. Kevin Mulei emphasised the University’s significant role in shaping some of Kenya's most prominent artists and cultural icons. "Many of the artists we celebrate today are products of this very institution," he remarked. Mr. Mulei also spoke on the critical role that culture plays in fostering responsible citizenship, especially in the digital age. He expressed eagerness for future collaborations with the University, particularly with KU Radio, a campus platform dedicated to nurturing young talent. “By sharing and celebrating our culture, we not only preserve it but also instill the values of community and responsibility in future generations,” he noted.
Mr. Mulei also offered words of encouragement to students, stressing the importance of personal growth and preparedness. “To achieve your goals, you must be ready to grow into the person capable of reaching those heights,” he said, urging students to embrace both cultural and personal development.
Adding a thrilling climax to the day, dancers from the Bomas of Kenya captivated the crowd with an energetic performance. Their showcase of traditional Kenyan dances served as a reminder of the country’s rich cultural heritage and the powerful role of the arts in uniting communities.
The event marked a memorable celebration of culture and citizenship, setting the stage for future partnerships and cultural exchanges aimed at fostering sustainability in the digital era.
A Collaborative Future for NRG and KU
Prior to his speech at the opening ceremony, Mr. Kelvin Mulei, CEO of NRG Radio, expressed his lifelong dedication to supporting cultural initiatives and introduced a new digital product, PayLess, aimed at enhancing financial literacy among young people, in a courtesy call. Alongside him, Mrs. Janet Mulei, joined the discussion led by Dr. Duncan Wambugu, Chairperson of Culture Week. They reflected on 31 years of consistent cultural celebrations that provide a platform for students to showcase their talents. Prof. Waceke Wanjohi, Ag. Vice-Chancellor, highlighted the importance of identifying synergies between NRG and KU, emphasising the University’s commitment to Sports and Performing Arts. She noted preparations for the first cohort of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) in 2029 and the University’s support for students with disabilities and those in need of scholarships, particularly following the economic challenges of COVID-19 that still linger on. The conversation also explored the potential for collaboration in innovation, with plans for a PayLess lab at KU and opportunities for media students to engage in industry cultural exchanges with NRG and KUTV.